I just about lost my mind via cellphone the other day. I did precisely what I just promised I'd try not to do in this entry.

If there's one thing that can set me off, it's the whole "Novus Ordo vs. Tridentine Mass" thing that has people on both sides of the aisle crying out with indignation.

I had originally titled this entry Novus Ordo vs. Tridentine Masses, but then I realized I was fueling the fire even more. Why must there be a "versus" in there all the time?

I've never attended a Tridentine Mass. Ever since coming back to the Church, I've wanted to. I follow blogs that support the TLM (Traditional Latin Mass) in the hopes that should I ever build up enough courage, I won't make a complete fool of myself the first time I attend.

From all I understand about a Tridentine Mass, I know I'll love it. I see its value and know it's a necessary balm for our aching Church.

That being said, I don't see why I have to trounce the Novus Ordo in order to appreciate the beauty of the TLM.

Why can't we accept that both forms of the Mass accomplish this:

﻿Which encapsulates both this﻿

and

Now I fully understand that liturgical abuses have abounded within the NO (Novus Ordo), but that does not mean that the NO is completely without merit.

It doesn't mean that a NO Mass is invalid and those who worship at NO Masses aren't really Catholic.

Those sorts of statements are vicious, uncharitable, an incredibly arrogant.

And I shot back stating as much.

I mean, I didn't even know that a TLM existed in the present day until I had my reversion. I didn't know that there were still priests (and laity) who prayed in Latin and celebrated Mass ad orientem (priest facing the tabernacle) vs. ad populum (priest facing the people with his back to the tabernacle, and thus, Christ). That was all super new to me!

Should I be labelled non-Catholic because I was ignorant that "the old Mass" still existed?

Methinks not.

For the record, I believe that ad orientem obviously makes the most sense, but I wish that, instead of the crucifix, the tabernacle was present. Point still stands regardless, though.

﻿Also, what of the folks who simply don't have TLMs available in their vicinity (through absolutely no fault of their own)? Should they, too, be labelled as something less than Catholic because their only mode of celebrating the Paschal Mystery is through the Novus Ordo Mass?

Gah.

I'm all for having the TLM alive and well in every parish in the world. I really am. However, I'm not okay with constantly being made to feel inferior because I accept the NO Mass as a valid form of worship. And this inferiority complex is being forced on me by my fellow Catholics!

I just don't understand this vitriol. I really don't. I love that there are folks out there who are passionate about bringing back the TLM. I'm happy that there is a drive to educate Catholics of their roots and the beauty of our original liturgy. I am grateful that blogs like Fr. Z's What Does the Prayer Really Say go out of their way to highlight the original prayers and expound on the prayerful insights and spiritual education that can be found within them.

I really do.

However, within this same group of passionate, driven people are those who take their zeal to the point of arrogance. They wish to trample charity in the name of propping up the TLM. They are precisely the reason I feel ill-equipped to attend a TLM. I'm afraid of riling anger from kneeling at the wrong spot, misspeaking Latin, or even wearing the wrong color veil.

I am absolutely certain that most folks who attend the TLM wouldn't treat me poorly for learning to crawl my way through a TLM. I'm sure many of them would jump at the chance to help me learn to walk until eventually I was confident in my celebration of a TLM in union with them. However, I've come across enough "bad apples" that I simply don't want to deal with the arrogant chastisement for the litany of mistakes I'm sure I'd make.

Maybe that's my own insecurity talking. Maybe I'm even trying to make excuses for not attending the TLM. The truth is, though, that there really are enough folks out there who have trounced me and my defense of NO Masses that I have been scared off TLMs for the time being. I'm not part of their "holier than thou" club. I'm not spiritually enlightened. I'm not theologically justified in my abhorrence of all things Vatican II.

That makes me sad, because like I said before, I KNOW there are plenty of loving proponents of the TLM who would happily endure my mistakes and patiently teach me the ways of our beautiful liturgy. Until I find one close enough to me who I feel comfortable enough to rely on, though, I'm steering clear.

In the meantime, however, I'll continue to defend the NO Mass as a valid way of celebrating the Paschal Mystery. No amount of human error is going to detract from the efficacy of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection. ﻿

I understand your trepidation as we tend to fear what we don't know. And, sadly, it is the case that there are some who attend the "Traditional Mass" who are not always friendly. One might say they can be snobbish and that is quite sad.

So, I suggest you find someone who has attended the TLM and go with them. Take your cue from them. Let them explain what is to happen and the rest will go smoothly from there.

Peace!

Reply

Gina

6/11/2014 07:01:21 am

{hugs}

I was thinking of you when I wrote this (regarding folks who are awesome and wish to build up the TLM in POSITIVE ways... not mean ways). I would likely brave a TLM with you or any of the other bloggers who have given me such a beautiful, loving appreciation for what the TLM offers.

I just really wish there wasn't so much in-fighting amongst Catholics that pits TLM against NO.

And it's from both sides of the aisle. There are some NO folks who balk at folks who attend TLM as if they were back-road fuddy-duddies who can't keep up with the times.

It just makes me so sad, and if that's the impression that I (as a cradle Catholic) get, I can't even imagine what folks on the outside looking in must see.

:(

But to you, I say thanks. I think you, coupled with Father Z, have done the most to cultivate a desire within me to attend a TLM.

And as I said to Keith below... one day I will try, and I know when I do, I'll be kicking myself for not going sooner. I just know it. :)

The priest is saying Mass only with an altar boy, but I think you'll see why it is called the "Quiet Mass." The priest faces towards Christ and not away from the people. They are facing the same direction as he!

Peace!
DV

keithp

6/11/2014 06:38:34 am

Wny not just go to an EF Mass and put your trepidation to rest?
Go to a High Mass with the full schola if you have the opportunity. If you are concerned about "making mistakes" it is very very easy to find the EF linturgy on line.

And I would specifically address the "... not always friendly..."...meme... that seems to constantly pop up. Just because people are not chatting and slapping each other on the back in the pews doesnt mean they are unfriendly, it likely means they are preparing themselves for the Mass.

Reply

Gina

6/11/2014 06:57:18 am

Ha ha - Keith, I've definitely thought of going to an EF Mass (we even have one near me now once a month) and just "getting it over with" so I can finally experience it, but I guess it's akin to just jumping out of an airplane to parachute.

I've always wanted to go skydiving (true story), but taking the plunge is still going to be an anxiety-riddled process.

I feel ridiculous for admitting that, especially given I'm talking about Mass. I shouldn't be so concerned with what other people thing given I'm supposed to be focused solely on God, but I'm being realistic.

Also, I'm not making the unfriendly comment regarding folks I've seen in the pews (given I've never been to a TLM to see anyone in a pew). I'm making the comment regarding the litany of people online who have actively worked to make me (and others like me) feel inferior because we attend NO Masses.

It's precisely those people that have "scared me off" my first TLM experience.

One day I'm determined to try, though.

:)

Reply

keithp

6/11/2014 07:16:27 am

To make your first TLM experience the least awkward wear a dress past your knees and where a mantilla or scarf. As I said, it is relatively easy to find a copy of the '62 missal on line. Sit in the back and be prepared to do the stand/kneel more often. I promise you that after 2-3 EF Mass, you'll be more comfortable and better appreciate and experience the EF.

When I returned to my Catholic Faith after a ~20+ year absence, I was very very nervous and self conscious about being present at a Mass. I imagined all sorts of "looks" about my presence. What helped me the most was my thought that for all those other folks in the Church as far as they know, I am a visitor of the highest sanctity and grace. Obviously, I wasn't but they didn't know that either!

I was directing my "not always friendly" at a different person.

I attend Mass at a local Men's religious shrine that offers only the NO. I am blessed and grateful that the provincial keeps the liturgical "innovations" so prevalent at other parishes to a bare minimum. Our bishop moved the EF out of our nearby parish about 3 years ago. And, those folks can only celebrate the EF now at a Catholic cemetery. But, for about one year I regularly attended an EF. It was quite an awakening for me on the ancient liturgy and traditions.

I do very sincerely hope you can attend at least on EF in your life time. I suspect it will be considerably easier and holier than sky diving.

-pax-

Gina

6/17/2014 09:12:43 am

Oh gosh... I just had a terrible thought.

I am resolved to go to the next TLM in my area (middle of August, I think). I want to go to Confession to make it as worthwhile as possible, but when I thought of going to Confession before going to a TLM, the thought crossed my mind that a TLM parish might do Confession differently than I'm used to.

I had a minor heart-attach for about ten seconds until I realized I've never heard folks complain about TLM Confession vs. NO Confession. I assume the script is the same regardless, right?

Anyone?

Also, if you just rolled your eyes at the stupidity of my question, that's okay. I sorta feel like an idiot for even posting it. *Blush*

Reply

Kathryn H.

6/18/2014 03:43:13 am

I never thought of that, but I found this lovely webpage that explains Confession according to the 1962 form:

But nobody ever needs to feel shy about approaching the Sacrament of Penance in any form! Priests are happy to help, even if you've never been before or it's been many years. ;-)

I've been to the Extraordinary Form Mass numerous times, although not enough to have it actually memorized, and there really isn't that much for the congregation to keep straight. I brought my own missal but found that the church had its own little booklets to help the congregation, so I didn't have to flip back and forth in my book. The last time I went, while on a vacation out of town, the priest was delighted to see a new face there and welcomed me warmly at the door after Mass. Just relax and enjoy praying! :-)